Earlier in the day, the Los Angeles Timesreported that Jackson met with Lakers officials and the job is his if he wants it. Meanwhile, a person close to another candidate, Mike D'Antoni, told USA TODAY Sports that no meetings had been arranged with the former Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks coach.

"They're focused on getting a deal done with (Jackson)," said the person, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

The Lakers fired Brown on Friday after the team struggled to a 1-4 start.

As the evidence builds that the Lakers are focused on bringing back the coach with whom they won five championships, the question remains whether Jackson is willing to return or at how steep a price. His retirement in 2011 was hardly a positive one, not only because of the way the Lakers were swept by Dallas in the Western Conference semifinals but because of the way his legacy was treated on the way out.

Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss and the team's lead executive these days, was determined to rid the franchise of Jackson's influence. Then-Lakers assistant Brian Shaw, who many believed would follow in Jackson's footsteps, would later say he felt his strong ties with Jackson hurt his candidacy to be the team's head coach. Part of the appeal the Lakers saw in Brown was that his style and personality were in stark contrast to Jackson.

But the Lakers need Jackson now -- again. They want him to fix a team that was supposedly destined for great things, to show Steve Nash and Dwight Howard how to flourish in the triangle offense while making the most of what may be Kobe Bryant's final years in uniform.

As Bryant pointed out after the Lakers improved to 2-4 against Golden State on Friday night, Jackson's health is likely a factor -- his hips that he had replaced have given him trouble for years.